Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE200101708
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$406,821.00
Summary
New directions for using brain stimulation to understand brain function. Neuroplasticity is of fundamental importance to brain function as it mediates learning, memory and development. Deficits in neuroplasticity are observed in a number of neurological conditions and thought to contribute to cognitive dysfunction. This study is designed to develop a better understanding of the neurochemical and genetic factors impacting on neuroplasticity. In addition, it aims to (i) upregulate brain connectivi ....New directions for using brain stimulation to understand brain function. Neuroplasticity is of fundamental importance to brain function as it mediates learning, memory and development. Deficits in neuroplasticity are observed in a number of neurological conditions and thought to contribute to cognitive dysfunction. This study is designed to develop a better understanding of the neurochemical and genetic factors impacting on neuroplasticity. In addition, it aims to (i) upregulate brain connectivity in a precise and targeted manner, (ii) elicit functional increases in cognitive performance and (iii) demonstrate the relationship between functional connectivity and cognition. Outcomes include a better understanding of plasticity in the brain & a enhanced capacity to examine and modulate brain plasticity.Read moreRead less
Multiscale and multimodal modelling of brain dynamics. This project aims to understand dynamics of how several brain regions work together to process information. This project will generate new knowledge in brain sciences by using state of the art computational modelling and neuroimaging methods like functional and diffusion magnetic resonance imaging and electromagnetic measurements. This project will develop technologies to compute multiscale, multimodal and directed connectivity in the brain. ....Multiscale and multimodal modelling of brain dynamics. This project aims to understand dynamics of how several brain regions work together to process information. This project will generate new knowledge in brain sciences by using state of the art computational modelling and neuroimaging methods like functional and diffusion magnetic resonance imaging and electromagnetic measurements. This project will develop technologies to compute multiscale, multimodal and directed connectivity in the brain. Expected outcomes of this project will enhance our understanding of the brain’s functional organization and dynamics. The benefits of this project will include breakthroughs in development of new neuro-technologies like brain-machine interfaces and neuroscience inspired artificial intelligence. Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE190100157
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$416,134.00
Summary
Involvement of the claustrum in coordinating brain circuits. This project aims to reveal how the claustrum coordinates information flow across other brain areas. The project will test the hypothesis that the Claustrum, a structure in the brain’s temporal lobe, coordinates the brains resting state networks. The project expects to characterise how the claustrum interacts with different networks, using a combination of anatomical, physiological and mathematical analysis techniques. The project expe ....Involvement of the claustrum in coordinating brain circuits. This project aims to reveal how the claustrum coordinates information flow across other brain areas. The project will test the hypothesis that the Claustrum, a structure in the brain’s temporal lobe, coordinates the brains resting state networks. The project expects to characterise how the claustrum interacts with different networks, using a combination of anatomical, physiological and mathematical analysis techniques. The project expects to advance knowledge about the function of one of the least understood parts of the brain. This will provide benefits that include new analysis techniques for integrative brain function, and may form the basis of future biotechnologies for modulating brain activity using neuroengineering or pharmacological approaches.Read moreRead less
In search of relevant things: A novel approach for image analysis. This project aims to investigate how experts’ cognitive processes may be transferred to computers for the automatic recognition of visual features. By merging computer and brain sciences, the project will characterise the way the brains of experts understand what is seen, in order to translate such a process in a new computer vision tool. This should provide significant benefits, such as automatic detection of threats or diseases ....In search of relevant things: A novel approach for image analysis. This project aims to investigate how experts’ cognitive processes may be transferred to computers for the automatic recognition of visual features. By merging computer and brain sciences, the project will characterise the way the brains of experts understand what is seen, in order to translate such a process in a new computer vision tool. This should provide significant benefits, such as automatic detection of threats or diseases in satellite and diagnostic imaging, respectively, among other applications. For the first time, the combination of how a computer analyses an image and how an expert interprets it will be used as a common language to enable machines to process visual information in a manner that mimics the way human brains do.Read moreRead less
Modelling and manipulating brain network dynamics across the lifespan. This project aims to integrate advanced computational modelling and state-of-the-art recording techniques to generate new knowledge on the neural basis of ageing. People are said to grow wiser as they grow older, though more likely they will experience cognitive slowing and reduced memory functions that interfere with their daily lives. The anticipated goal of the project is to develop techniques to predict the personalised e ....Modelling and manipulating brain network dynamics across the lifespan. This project aims to integrate advanced computational modelling and state-of-the-art recording techniques to generate new knowledge on the neural basis of ageing. People are said to grow wiser as they grow older, though more likely they will experience cognitive slowing and reduced memory functions that interfere with their daily lives. The anticipated goal of the project is to develop techniques to predict the personalised effects of brain stimulation on the ageing brain. The outcomes of this research could significantly improve understanding of brain ageing, and advance the fields of systems neuroscience, network science, and brain stimulation.Read moreRead less
Promoting Child and Carer Wellbeing and Placement Stability in Kinship Care. Kinship care is the fastest growing out-of-home care placement in Australia, yet least supported. This project aims to implement and evaluate an attachment and trauma-based program for kinship carers, explore its suitability for cultural adaptation for Indigenous families and co-design practical resources to promote program sustainability and trauma-informed practice. This project is Australia’s first randomised trial o ....Promoting Child and Carer Wellbeing and Placement Stability in Kinship Care. Kinship care is the fastest growing out-of-home care placement in Australia, yet least supported. This project aims to implement and evaluate an attachment and trauma-based program for kinship carers, explore its suitability for cultural adaptation for Indigenous families and co-design practical resources to promote program sustainability and trauma-informed practice. This project is Australia’s first randomised trial of a tailored program for kinship carers and expects to generate vital knowledge on evidence-based support. Via implementing an innovative program for kinship carers in statutory child protection, this project should build capacity for research-based practice and benefit family wellbeing and placement outcomes in kinship care.Read moreRead less
Does emotion regulation flexibility improve functioning in refugees? This project aims identify the mechanisms by which low-intensity interventions improve functioning in refugees living in low-and-middle income countries (LMICs). Despite these interventions being implemented with thousands of refugees worldwide, many refugees fail to respond. This project will lead to significant advances in knowledge regarding how and for whom low intensity interventions work. Expected outcomes include enhance ....Does emotion regulation flexibility improve functioning in refugees? This project aims identify the mechanisms by which low-intensity interventions improve functioning in refugees living in low-and-middle income countries (LMICs). Despite these interventions being implemented with thousands of refugees worldwide, many refugees fail to respond. This project will lead to significant advances in knowledge regarding how and for whom low intensity interventions work. Expected outcomes include enhanced capacity of NGOs to deliver effective interventions to refugees living in LMICs, and to tailor their services to those who are at greatest risk of not responding. Benefits include improved functioning of refugees living in LMICs, and enhanced capacity of Australia to meet its international refugee obligations. Read moreRead less
Whether social media literacy mitigates effects of social media in adolescents. This project aims to determine protective and risk factors for problems associated with social media use in early adolescents. In particular, it aims to determine the protective role of social media literacy (the skill to analyse, critique and evaluate social media posts). Although most Australian adolescents use social media, frequent social media engagement and photo-based activities can cause body dissatisfaction, ....Whether social media literacy mitigates effects of social media in adolescents. This project aims to determine protective and risk factors for problems associated with social media use in early adolescents. In particular, it aims to determine the protective role of social media literacy (the skill to analyse, critique and evaluate social media posts). Although most Australian adolescents use social media, frequent social media engagement and photo-based activities can cause body dissatisfaction, disordered eating and compromised well-being. Findings supporting a protective role for social media literacy are expected to inform policy to improve adolescent well-being and pave the way for school-based social media literacy interventions.Read moreRead less
Tree-mediated methane fluxes: A new frontier in the global carbon cycle. Methane is an extremely potent greenhouse gas. Recent evidence suggests that tree-mediated fluxes may be a significant, but overlooked source of methane to the atmosphere. This project aims to quantify the magnitude and drivers of tree-mediated methane fluxes from Australia’s dominant forest types. Innovatively, we will be using a novel combination of empirical field based measurements, gas tracer experiments, microbial ana ....Tree-mediated methane fluxes: A new frontier in the global carbon cycle. Methane is an extremely potent greenhouse gas. Recent evidence suggests that tree-mediated fluxes may be a significant, but overlooked source of methane to the atmosphere. This project aims to quantify the magnitude and drivers of tree-mediated methane fluxes from Australia’s dominant forest types. Innovatively, we will be using a novel combination of empirical field based measurements, gas tracer experiments, microbial analysis and modelling methods. Expected outcomes are a mechanistic understanding of tree-mediated methane fluxes, helping to constrain regional, national and global methane budgets. The results of this study will help inform publicly funded greenhouse gas abatement strategies, ensuring a maximal return on investment.Read moreRead less
A Universal Power Law for Growth and Diversity of Dinosaur and Bird Beaks. Universal rules that govern how animals grow have tremendous power to explain the highly complex processes of growth and development. The project investigators have recently discovered a new rule of growth that controls how teeth, horns, claws and beaks are generated in animals. This project aims to use this new rule to examine the evolution and diversity of beaks in birds and dinosaurs. By combining 3D modelling, biomech ....A Universal Power Law for Growth and Diversity of Dinosaur and Bird Beaks. Universal rules that govern how animals grow have tremendous power to explain the highly complex processes of growth and development. The project investigators have recently discovered a new rule of growth that controls how teeth, horns, claws and beaks are generated in animals. This project aims to use this new rule to examine the evolution and diversity of beaks in birds and dinosaurs. By combining 3D modelling, biomechanics and genetic analysis of bird beak development with the study of dinosaur fossils, this project expects to reveal the underlying processes controlling the growth and evolution of beaks. The anticipated goal of this project is to show the power of new theoretical models to explain the diversity of life.Read moreRead less